STEVEN SMITH, PhD · SCHOLAR & PRACTITIONER
My perspectives on leadership, culture and technology.
Read. Listen. Watch. Join the conversation.
2 October 2026
Why cultural judgement, human responsibility and local context remain essential as AI reshapes strategic communication.
Explore the perspective
THE LATEST
1 October 2026 · 19 min 9 sec
A perspective on the difference between AI policy branding and substantive safety rules.
Explore : Trump’s Super Intelligence rename is branding, not a new safety lawListen to the podcast ↗29 September 2026
What satellite connectivity means for crisis communication, verified information and reaching people when terrestrial networks fail.
Open LinkedIn : The last mile is now overhead: what Starlink teaches leaders about voice in a crisis27 September 2026
Why strategic communication belongs in AI governance, with clear leadership, accessible policies and workforce capability.
Open LinkedIn : StratComms belongs at the AI governance table22 September 2026 · 19 min 27 sec
Who pays for AI at work, and what that means for employees and organisational responsibility.
Explore : Are employees funding work AI from their own pocket?Listen to the podcast ↗22 September 2026
The provided academic text by Steven Carl Smith examines the emerging role of PR activism and critical public relations within the Middle East. Through a quantitative survey of 233 practitioners, the research explores how social media serves as a platform for managing organisation-public relationships amidst regional restrictions on free speech. The findings highlight key factors such as persuasion, advocacy, and cultural sensitivity, suggesting that professionals are increasingly navigating social issues like gender equality and youth employment.
Listen : Are Middle Eastern PR Professionals Activists?21 September 2026 · 23 min 51 sec
A podcast exploring AI leadership and strategic communication in the Saudi context.
Listen : AI Leadership and Strategic Communication in Saudi Arabia
02 / SCHOLAR. PRACTITIONER. CONNECTOR.
I connect strategic communication, cultural understanding and leadership to explore how organisations move forward responsibly.
My perspective has been shaped by more than two decades across South Africa, Oman and Saudi Arabia, from energy and utilities to industrial organisations.
Alongside that experience, my doctoral research examines strategic communication leadership in Saudi-listed companies. It brings a context-specific perspective to a global conversation.
Chartered Institute of Public Relations
GCCC-IABC
05 / SPEAKING & CONVERSATION
Leadership. Cultural intelligence. Transformation.
Conversations that connect research with practice.
06 / THE NEXT CONVERSATION
Speaking invitations. Research collaborations.
Advisory and editorial enquiries.
